Preview: New Zealand U19s v Afghanistan U19s

New Zealand take on Afghanistan in Christchurch on Wednesday with a place in the Super League semi-finals of the ICC U19 CWC at stake.

There’s a fascinating encounter in store in this ICC U19 CWC Super League quarter-final, as unbeaten hosts New Zealand meet many pundits’ dark-horse bet for the title, Afghanistan, whose team boasts two players – Mujeeb Zadran and captain Naveen-ul–Haq – with senior international experience.

Form guide

Afghanistan began their campaign by upsetting Pakistan in the ICC U19 CWC opener, defeating their neighbours by five wickets with 15 balls remaining. They then beat Sri Lanka in a rain-affected contest in Whangarei, prevailing by 32 runs on the DLS method to confirm their place in the quarter-finals. Disappointment was to follow in their third match, though, as they were narrowly beaten by a previously winless Ireland team – by just four runs with four balls to spare . The result saw Afghanistan finish second to Pakistan in Group D – hence this quarter-final tie versus the unbeaten Black Caps.

For New Zealand, playing on home turf, it’s been straightforward so far. After dominant displays to register wins over the West Indies, by eight wickets, and Kenya, by 243 runs, they faced their biggest challenge of the group stage in their third game, against South Africa, in a straight shootout to win the group. They passed the test with flying colours with a stellar all-round performance from Rachin Ravindra.

Players to watch

Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
The left-hand opening bat and left-arm spinner put in a fine all-round display against South Africa, first hitting an 89-ball 76 to help New Zealand post 279/8 and then returning 4/32 and effecting a run-out for the last wicket to bowl South Africa out for 208. Before that he made a century against Kenya whilst also taking 2/33, and while he only made 16 with the bat against West Indies, he chipped in with 3/30 with the ball. Afghanistan will need to ensure he has a quiet game one way or another.

**Ibrahim Zadran (Afg)**The hard-hitting opening bat only turned 16 last December but he’s had a strong influence for Afghanistan at times. After hitting a patient 32 in a warm-up fixture against Bangladesh, Zadran showed off his aggressive strokeplay in Afghanistan's victory over Sri Lanka, smashing six boundaries – including five sixes – in an innings of 86. His relative failure against Ireland – he made 22, leading to a below-par team total of 222 – showed just what a key wicket Zadran could be for New Zealand’s new-ball attack.

Head to head/World Cup history

These two sides have played each other just twice – both times in World Cups – in 2012 and 2016 respectively. First time out, in Buderim, New Zealand won by 8 runs. Four years later in Cox’s Bazar Afghanistan levelled things, winning by 8 wickets.****

Forecast

It’s not looking too clever. There’s a 50 per cent chance of rain in Christchurch, plus cloud, high humidity and a bit of wind. If they do get a game in the adverse conditions, which could suit swing bowling, it should favour New Zealand.

Squads

**New Zealand:**Kaylum Boshier (c), Finn Allen, Jakob Bhula, Max Chu, Katene Clarke, Matthew Fisher, Luke Georgeson, Ben Lockrose, Callum McLachlan, Felix Murray, Sandeep Patel, Dale Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Connor Sullivan, Todd Watson

Afghanistan: Naveen-ul-Haq (c), Qais Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Ali Khil, Rahmanullah, Mohammad Ibrahim, Zahir Khan, Darwish Rasooli, Baheer Shah, Tariq Stanikzai, Nisar Wahdat, Wafadar, Waqarullah Ishaq, Mujeeb Zadran, Yousuf Zazai